Case for Electronic Tablet

ABSTRACT

A case incorporates a built-in stand for an electronic device, such as an electronic tablet computer, which the case houses. The case protects the electronic device and allows a user to view and access the device without removing it from the case. The built-in stand is adjustable and allows for multiple viewing angles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/682,627, filed Nov. 20, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,875,879 onNov. 4, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/069,207, filed Mar. 22, 2011, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,312,991on Nov. 20, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/892,736, filed Sep. 28, 2010, issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,328,008 on Dec. 11, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisionalapplication 61/372,450, filed Aug. 10, 2010, and 61/382,472, filed Sep.13, 2010. These applications are incorporated by reference along withall other references cited in this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to accessories for electronic devices and morespecifically to cases for portable electronic devices and electronictablets.

With each new generation, portable electronic devices provide greaterfunctionality and have more capabilities. These portable electronicdevices allow people to play and record music, send and receive e-mail,send text messages, browse Web pages, make phone calls, play and recordvideo, take and view pictures, edit documents, and much more. Thesedevices continue to revolutionize the way people interact, learn,connect with other people, conduct business, and find things. They helppeople manage their daily lives and can be a source of entertainment.These devices can be used to store valuable information includingpersonal information (e.g., phone numbers, financial information,private photos or videos, and favorite music tracks).

Typically these devices are intended to be carried or moved about. Assuch, these devices are more vulnerable to damage as compared tononportable devices. These devices are more likely to be accidentallydropped, hit, or scratched. Some types of damage may be cosmetic (e.g.,scratch). However, other types of damage may ruin or limit thefunctionality of the device. Often these devices contain sensitive andfragile components (e.g., screen, camera lens, flash, processors,accelerometers, and sensors). Accidentally dropping the device couldrender various features unusable.

Protective cases are used to protect these devices from possible damage.It is desirable that these cases allow users to use the functionality oftheir devices, while devices remain in their cases. Cases can also beused to enhance the functionality and capabilities of the device.

Therefore, there is a need for cases for portable electronic devicesthat will protect the devices, while at the same time enhance thefunctionality and usability of the devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A case incorporates a built-in stand for the device which the casehouses. The built-in stand allows using the case as a stand withoutneeding to carry a separate standalone stand device. By incorporatingthe stand as part of the case, the case has additional functionality andusability. Since the stand is built-in or integrated, the stand will beavailable wherever the case is and is harder to lose than having aseparate stand.

In a specific implementation, a case for a portable electronic deviceincludes a bezel defining a rectangular front opening through which ascreen of the portable electronic device will be visible, a backing,opposite the rectangular front opening, including a first surfaceagainst which a back of the portable electronic device will be placed,and an outer cover. The outer cover includes first, second, third, andfourth cover edges, where the second and fourth cover edges are longerthan the first and third cover edges, first, second, and third hinges,each hinge extending from the second cover edge to the fourth coveredge, and at least one edge stop on an inside surface of the outercover. The at least one edge stop extends in a direction from the secondcover edge to the fourth cover edge. A first portion of the insidesurface of the outer cover from the third cover edge to the first hingeis connected to a second surface of the backing, opposite the firstsurface of the backing.

In one embodiment, the case includes a sleeve having the bezel and thebacking. The sleeve includes first, second, third, and fourth sides. Thefirst and third sides are longer than the second and fourth sides. Thefirst side includes a side opening through which the portable electronicdevice can be inserted into the sleeve, and a latch to removably securethe portable electronic device in the sleeve.

In another embodiment, the case includes a frame having the bezel andthe backing. The bezel includes an elastic material to permit the bezelto be peeled back thereby enlarging the front opening and permitting theelectronic device to be inserted through the enlarged front opening.

The case may further include an elastic band, connected to the outercover. The elastic band extends from the second cover edge to the fourthcover edge. The elastic band can be positioned to hold the outer coveragainst the front opening, thus preventing rotating of the first andsecond hinges.

The elastic band may be between the first hinge and the third coveredge. A width of a gap between the third cover edge and the elastic bandmay be at least a width of the elastic band.

In one embodiment, the at least one edge stop includes a grooveextending from the second cover edge to the fourth cover edge. Inanother embodiment, the at least one edge stop includes a railprojecting above the inside surface of the outer cover.

In a specific implementation, when the case is folded into a stand aportion of the outer cover defines a base surface of the stand. A firstportion of the base surface extends from the at least one edge stop tothe first cover edge.

The second hinge may be between the first and third hinges, a length ofthe base surface may be from the first cover edge to at least the thirdhinge, and the length of the base surface may be greater than a lengthfrom the third hinge to the second hinge.

In a specific implementation, a case for a portable electronic deviceincludes an enclosure or holder portion including first, second, third,fourth, front, and back sides. The first and third sides are longer thanthe second and fourth sides. The front side includes a bezel defining arectangular front opening through which a screen of the portableelectronic device will be visible. An outer cover portion includesfirst, second, third, and fourth cover edges, where the second andfourth cover edges are longer than the first and third cover edges.There are first and second hinges, each hinge extending from the secondcover edge to the fourth cover edge. The outer cover portion isconnected to the back side of the enclosure portion at the third edge,and the outer cover portion is not connected to the back side of theenclosure portion at the first and second hinges, allowing the outercover portion to rotate at the first and second hinges. There is anelastic band, connected to the outer cover portion. The elastic bandextends from the second cover edge to the fourth cover edge. The elasticband can be positioned to hold the outer cover portion against the frontopening, thereby preventing rotating of the first and second hinges.

A gap between the third edge and the elastic band may be at least awidth of the elastic band. A distance from any one of the first orsecond hinges to the elastic band may be greater than a distance fromthe elastic band to the third edge.

In a specific implementation, the first side of the enclosure portionincludes a side opening through which the portable electronic device canbe inserted into the enclosure. The enclosure portion may include alatch on the first side to removably secure the portable electronicdevice in the enclosure.

In another specific implementation, the bezel includes an elasticmaterial to permit the bezel to be elastically deformed, therebyenlarging the rectangular front opening and permitting the portableelectronic device to be inserted through the enlarged rectangular frontopening.

In a specific implementation, a method includes forming an outer coverhaving first, second, third, and fourth cover edges, where the secondand fourth cover edges are longer than the first and third cover edges.Creating first, second, and third hinges in the outer cover. Creating atleast one edge stop on an inside surface of the outer cover. Forming anenclosure for a portable electronic device, the enclosure including abezel defining a front opening through which a screen of the portableelectronic device will be visible. Positioning the enclosure on theinside surface of the outer cover so that the first hinge is one ofabove or below the enclosure and the enclosure is between the secondhinge and the third cover edge. Positioning an elastic band on the outercover. And attaching the elastic band and a portion of the enclosure tothe outer cover, where an attached portion of the enclosure is betweenthe first hinge and the third cover edge.

In an implementation, positioning an elastic band includes positioningends of the elastic band between the enclosure and the outer cover. Inanother implementation, positioning an elastic band includes positioningends of the elastic band on an outside surface of the outer cover. Anunattached portion of the enclosure may be between the first hinge andthe second hinge.

In a specific implementation, a case for a portable electronic deviceincludes a rectangularly shaped cover including first, second, third,and fourth cover edges. The first and third cover edges extend in afirst direction and are parallel to each other. The second and fourthcover edges extend in a second direction and are parallel to each other.The second direction is transverse to the first direction, and thesecond cover edge is longer than the first cover edge. There is a firsthinge, formed in the cover, between the first and third cover edges,extending in the first direction. The cover from the first cover edge tothe first hinge is a front flap, and the front flap has a first lengthfrom the first hinge to the first cover edge that is sufficiently longto cover a front screen of the portable electronic device.

There is a second hinge, formed in the cover, between the third coveredge and the first hinge, extending in the first direction, parallel tothe first hinge. There is a set of grooves formed between the firstcover edge and the first hinge on an inside of the cover.

There is a holder, connected to the rectangularly shaped cover, thatremovably connects the portable electronic device to the case. Theportable electronic device is inserted into the holder in a directionfrom the second hinge to the third cover edge, and when inserted intothe holder, the second hinge will positioned behind a back of theportable electronic device.

In a specific implementation, a case for a portable electronic deviceincludes a rectangularly shaped cover including first, second, third,and fourth cover edges. The first and third cover edges extend in afirst direction and are parallel to each other, the second and fourthcover edges extend in a second direction and are parallel to each other,the second direction is transverse to the first direction, and thesecond cover edge is longer than the first cover edge.

There is a first hinge, formed in the cover between the first and thirdcover edges and extending in the first direction. The cover from thefirst cover edge to the first hinge is a front flap. The front flap hasa first length from the first cover edge to the first hinge that issufficiently long to cover a front screen of the portable electronicdevice when the front flap is folded via the first hinge to close thecase.

There is a second hinge, formed in the cover, between the third coveredge and the first hinge, extending in the first direction, and parallelto the first hinge. There are a set of grooves formed between the firstcover edge and the first hinge on an inside of the front flap.

There is a holder, attached to the rectangularly shaped cover, thatremovably attaches the portable electronic device to the case betweenthe second hinge and the third cover edge. The portable electronicdevice is to be inserted into the holder in a direction from the firsthinge to the third cover edge, and when the portable electronic deviceis inserted into the holder, the second hinge will be positioned behinda back of the portable electronic device. The rectangularly shaped covermay include rounded corners.

In a specific implementation, the cover from the third edge to thesecond hinge has a second length, and the cover from the second hinge tothe first hinge includes a third length, and the third length is greaterthan the second length. In a specific implementation, the cover from thethird edge to the second hinge has a second length, and the cover fromthe second hinge to the first hinge includes a third length, and a sumof the first, second, and third lengths is at least about 407millimeters. A fourth length of the first hinge may be at least about245 millimeters.

In a specific implementation, the holder includes a bezel forming afront opening of the holder through which a screen will be visible. Theholder may include a backing material including a textured surface.

The cover may include a polycarbonate material. The cover may include acomposite including polyurethane and polycarbonate.

In a specific implementation, the inside of the front cover has threegrooves. When the portable electronic device is positioned in a first ofthe grooves, a built-in stand of the case has an angle of about 45degrees. When the portable electronic device is positioned in a first ofthe grooves, a built-in stand of the case has an angle of about 60degrees. When the portable electronic device is positioned in a first ofthe grooves, a built-in stand of the case has an angle of about 75degrees. When portions of the cover on either side of the second hingeare folded against each other, a built-in stand of the case has an angleof about 8 degrees.

In a specific implementation, when utilizing a first of the grooves, abuilt-in stand of the case has an angle of about 45 degrees. Whenutilizing a second of the grooves, the built-in stand of the case has anangle of about 60 degrees. When utilizing a third of the grooves, thebuilt-in stand of the case has an angle of about 75 degrees. Whenportions of the cover on either side of the second hinge are foldedagainst each other, the built-in stand of the case has an angle of about8 degrees.

The case may further include an elastic band, attached to the coverbetween the second hinge and the third cover edge, where the elasticband extends in the first direction.

In a specific implementation, a case for a portable electronic deviceincludes a rectangularly shaped cover including first, second, third,and fourth cover edges. The first and third cover edges extend in afirst direction and are parallel to each other, the second and fourthcover edges extend in a second direction and are parallel to each other,the second direction is transverse to the first direction, and thesecond cover edge is longer than the first cover edge.

There is a first hinge, formed in the cover, between the first and thirdcover edges, extending in the first direction, and the cover from thefirst cover edge to the first hinge is a front flap, and the front flaphas a first length from the first cover edge to the first hinge to thefirst cover edge that is sufficiently long to cover a front screen ofthe portable electronic device when the front flap is folded via thefirst hinge to close the case.

There is a second hinge, formed in the cover, between the third coveredge and the first hinge, extending in the first direction, and parallelto the first hinge.

There are a plurality of rails, extending in the first direction, formedbetween the first cover edge and the first hinge on an inside of thefront flap.

There is a holder, attached to the rectangularly shaped cover, thatremovably attaches the portable electronic device to the case betweenthe second hinge and the third cover edge. The portable electronicdevice is to be inserted into the holder in a direction from the firstto second hinge to the third cover edge, and when the portableelectronic device is inserted into the holder, the second hinge will bepositioned behind a back of the portable electronic device.

In an implementation, when utilizing a first of the rails, a built-instand of the case has an first tilt angle. When utilizing a second ofthe grooves, the built-in stand of the case has a second tilt angle.When utilizing a third of the grooves, the built-in stand of the casehas a third tilt angle, the first, second, and third tilt angles beingdifferent from each other.

In a specific implementation, when portions of the cover on either sideof the second hinge are folded against each other, the built-in stand ofthe case has a fourth tilt angle, less than the first, second, and thirdtilt angles.

In a further implementation, there is an elastic band, attached to thecover between the second hinge and the third cover edge, where theelastic band extends in the first direction.

A first embodiment of the case may be referred to as a Convertible BookJacket™ or CBJ™ case. A second embodiment the case may be referred to asa Convertible Maki Jacket™ or CMJ™ case. The CBJ and CMJ cases can befolded into a stand for the electronic device. In a specificimplementation, stand viewing angles include about 45, 60, and 75degrees for the CMJ and CBJ cases. Each case can also be folded into aworking angle. In a specific implementation, the working angle on theCBJ case is about 8 degrees and the working angle on the CMJ case isabout 6 degrees. In a specific implementation, the CMJ case is apolyurethane (PU) laminate with a polycarbonate (PC) reinforcementstructure. The case hinges in the thin areas where the laminate is notreinforced with polycarbonate.

In a specific implementation, a method of making a case for anelectronic tablet includes: providing a front cover portion havinginterior and exterior sides, and a first edge, second edge, and thirdedge; forming a plurality of grooves on the interior side of the frontcover, where the grooves extend in a first direction parallel to thefirst edge of the front cover; providing a back cover portion having afourth edge extending in the first direction; providing an inside holderportion, where the inside holder portion is adapted to retain theelectronic tablet in the case while a screen of the electronic tabletdevice remains visible; providing a spine edge portion that joins thefront and back cover portions; coupling a first folding hinge, extendingin the first direction, between the back cover portion and the insideholder portion; coupling a second folding hinge, extending in the firstdirection, between the front cover and spine edge portions; coupling athird folding hinge, extending in the first direction, between the backcover and spine edge portions, where a first length of the first edge islonger than a second length of the second edge from the first edge tothe second folding hinge and is longer than a third length of the thirdedge from the first edge to the second folding hinge, and the second andthird lengths extend in a second direction, perpendicular to the firstdirection; allowing folding of the case into a first stand position byrotating the first folding hinge in a first rotation direction so abottom of the inside holder portion can be inserted into a first grooveof the plurality of grooves; and allowing folding of the case into asecond stand position by rotating the first folding hinge in the firstrotation direction, further than for the first stand position, so thebottom of the inside holder portion can be inserted into a second grooveof the plurality of grooves, where the second groove is positioned onthe interior side of the front cover closer to the first edge than thefirst groove.

In a specific implementation, a case for an electronic tablet deviceincludes: a front cover portion, including interior and exterior sides,where the front cover portion is rectangularly shaped, planar, anddefined by a first edge, second edge, and third edge, the first edgeextending in a first direction and being longer than the second andthird edges, and the interior side of the front cover includes aplurality of grooves, and the grooves extend in the first direction; aback cover portion, including interior and exterior sides, where theback cover portion is rectangularly shaped, planar, and defined by afourth edge, fifth edge, and sixth edge, the fourth edge extending inthe first direction and being longer than the fifth and sixth edges, andthe back cover portion includes a first folding hinge extending in thefirst direction; a spine edge portion, coupling the front and back coverportions together, where a second folding hinge separates the frontcover and spine portions, a third folding hinge separates the back coverand spine edge portions, the second and third folding hinges extend inthe first direction, and the second edge extends from the first edge tothe second folding hinge, the third edge extends from the first edge tothe second folding hinge, the fifth edge extends from the fourth edge tothe third folding hinge, and the sixth edge extends from the fourth edgeto the third folding hinge; an inside holder portion, connected to thefirst folding hinge, where the inside holder portion will retain theelectronic tablet device in the case, and the case can be folded into atwo or more of stand positions including: a first stand position whenthe first folding hinge is rotated in a first rotation direction so abottom of the inside holder portion is inserted into a first groove ofthe grooves, and a second stand position when the second folding hingeis rotated in the first rotation direction so the bottom of the insideholder portion is inserted into a second groove of the grooves, wherethe second groove is positioned further from the second hinge than thefirst groove.

In a specific implementation, a method of making a case for anelectronic tablet includes: providing a front cover portion havinginterior and exterior sides, and a first edge, second edge, and thirdedge; forming a plurality of bumps on the interior side of the frontcover, where the bumps extend in a first direction parallel to the firstedge of the front cover; providing a back cover portion having a fourthedge extending in the first direction; providing an inside holderportion, where the inside holder portion is adapted to retain theelectronic tablet in the case while a screen of the electronic tabletdevice remains visible; providing a spine edge portion that joins thefront and back cover portions; coupling a first folding hinge, extendingin the first direction, between the back cover portion and the insideholder portion; coupling a second folding hinge, extending in the firstdirection, between the front cover and spine edge portions; coupling athird folding hinge, extending in the first direction, between the backcover and spine edge portions, where a first length of the first edge islonger than a second length of the second edge from the first edge tothe second folding hinge and is longer than a third length of the thirdedge from the first edge to the second folding hinge, and the second andthird lengths extend in a second direction, perpendicular to the firstdirection; allowing folding of the case into a first stand position byrotating the first folding hinge in a first rotation direction so abottom of the inside holder portion can be inserted between a first andsecond bump of the plurality of bumps; and allowing folding of the caseinto a second stand position by rotating the first folding hinge in thefirst rotation direction, further than for the first stand position, sothe bottom of the inside holder portion can be inserted between thesecond bump and a third bump of the plurality of bumps, where the thirdbump is positioned on the interior side of the front cover closer to thefirst edge than the second bump.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent upon consideration of the following detailed descriptionand the accompanying drawings, in which like reference designationsrepresent like features throughout the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1H show various views of a first embodiment of a case for aportable electronic device.

FIG. 2A shows a front perspective view of the open case after the caseis folded into a stand.

FIG. 2B shows a back perspective view after the case is folded into astand.

FIG. 2C shows how the stand can be adjusted into various viewing angles.

FIG. 2D shows a first viewing angle of the stand in a landscapeorientation.

FIG. 2E shows a second viewing angle of the stand.

FIG. 2F shows a third viewing angle of the stand.

FIG. 2G shows a close-up view of the stand.

FIG. 2H shows a working angle of the stand.

FIG. 2I shows a side view of the stand in a viewing angle.

FIGS. 3A-3B show the stand folded in a portrait orientation.

FIG. 3C shows a top view of the stand in the portrait orientation.

FIG. 4 shows an inside view of the case.

FIGS. 5-7 show some individual pieces used to make the case.

FIG. 8 shows a top view the assembled case pieces.

FIG. 9 shows a cross section of the assembled case pieces.

FIGS. 10-29 show various views of a second embodiment of a case for aportable electronic device.

FIGS. 30-42 show various views of a third embodiment of a case for aportable electronic device.

FIGS. 43-44 show a comparison of thickness between the first and secondcase embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A-1H show various views of an embodiment of a case for a tabletcomputer. This embodiment of a case may be referred to as a ConvertibleBook Jacket™ or CBJ™ case. Convertible Book Jacket and CBJ aretrademarks of Incase Designs Corp.

FIGS. 1A-1E show top, side, and bottom views of the case. In animplementation, the case is for a tablet computer, tablet PC, or othertablet-type electronic device. Some examples of electronic tabletsinclude Apple iPad, Dell Streak, HP TouchSmart, Toshiba Portege, FujitsuLifebook, Lenovo IdeaPad, Toshiba Libretto, Amazon Kindle, Sony Reader,Barnes & Noble Nook, Microsoft Courier, and others. Aspects of theinvention are also applicable to other types of devices includingsmartphones (such as the Apple iPhone and Google Android phones),personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, and notebookcomputers. Any trademarks listed in this patent application are theproperty of their respective owners

Portable electronic device are valuable because their functionality, theinformation they contain, and time and expense to replace. A case istypically much easier and less expensive to replace than the devicewhich it houses and protects.

A case protects the portable electronic device from scratches, dings,dents, and other damage. The case also provides shock absorption. Thecase will absorb impacts, preventing shock to the components of thedevice which are often delicate. The case can also improve the grip tothe device and case combination. The case may include a texture pattern,be made from a tacky material, or have a tacky coating, or include awrist or neck strap. The case may also be waterproof or water resistantto protect the device from rain, snow, and surf.

A case may include a battery to lengthen a battery life of the device. Abattery case is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,612,997, issued Nov. 3,2009, which is incorporated by reference. A case may include a stand(e.g., built-in stand). With such a stand, a user can stand the deviceon a table and watch the screen hands-free. Some examples of some casedesigns are in U.S. patent application 61/365,302, which is incorporatedby reference along with all other references cited in this application.

This patent application incorporates by reference U.S. Pat. No.7,612,997, issued Nov. 3, 2009; D587,896, issued Mar. 10, 2009;D582,149, issued Dec. 9, 2008; D581,151; D579,213, issued Oct. 28, 2008;and D575,056, issued Aug. 19, 2008. These patent applications areincorporated by reference.

A case is typically an important accessory for the device that itprotects. For, a person might accidentally drop a portable electronicdevice in the case on the floor when running to catch a flight for abusiness trip at the airport. The case may cushion the drop, thuspreventing major damage to the portable electronic device. The portableelectronic device will remain intact and unbroken, saved by the case.The person can pick up the portable electronic device, continue on theflight, and use the portable electronic device on the business trip.

If the portable electronic device had not been protected by a case, theportable electronic device might have become broken. The screen maybecome cracked or there might have been other damage rendering thedevice inoperable. The person typically would not have been able toreplace the portable electronic device soon enough, especially if therewas important information saved on the portable electronic device (e.g.,sales presentation slides) that are needed for the business trip.

FIGS. 1A-1E show different views of a case for an electronic tabletdevice. As discussed above, this case may also be used for other typesof electronic devices including, for example, electronic book readers,electronic books, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and smartphones.

FIG. 1A shows a front view of the case. The case has an elastic bandclosure 103. When the case is in a closed position (as shown in FIGS.1A-1E), the elastic band secures a front flap 106 of the case againstthe screen of the electronic device; this protects the screen fromdamage.

FIG. 1B shows a side 109 view of the case, showing a spine panel 110 ofthe case. FIG. 1C shows a side 112 view of the case. FIG. 1D shows aside 115 view of the case. FIGS. 1C and 1D show a sleeve 117 which holdsthe electronic device. Sides 112 and 115 of the sleeve have openingsthat allow access to ports and like features of the electronic device.

FIG. 1E shows a back view of the case. The case has a back flap 119.Elastic band 103 is attached to the back flap at locations 127 and 125of the back flap. So, the elastic back is stretched to hold the frontflap to the back flap with tension, thus securing the electronic device(in the sleeve) between the flaps.

The case can be folded to act as a stand for the electronic device. Tofacilitate the case being folded or converted into a stand, the backflap of the case has a crease hinge 129. Further details follow below.The front flap does not have a hinge, crease or otherwise, runningthrough it.

In a specific implementation, the flaps of the case have rounded corners131, 133, 135, and 137. Rounded corners provide a smoother edgingwithout hard angles, which makes sliding into a bag easier and lesslikely to catch. Rounding also helps prevent bending or dog-earing ofthe corners.

In a specific implementation, a length of the case is about 250millimeters (about 9.8 inches), and a width of the case is about 200millimeters (about 7.9 inches). The case (or spine) is about 30millimeters (about 1.2 inches) thick. These dimensions of the case canvary to accommodate the electronic device being housed. There areopenings in sides of the case that allow access to ports and buttons ofthe electronic tablet without needing to remove the electronic tabletfrom the case. The case has a back surface with a groove, break, orcrease that allows bending of this back surface to make a stand for theelectronic tablet.

FIGS. 1F-1H shows front, side, and back views of a specificimplementation of a case.

The case has a built-in stand feature that allows for multiple viewingangles. FIGS. 2A-2H show the case being used as a stand for theelectronic device, where the stand is in a landscape orientation. FIG.2A shows a front perspective view the open case after the case has beenconverted, by folding, into a stand. FIG. 2B shows a back perspectiveview. FIG. 2C shows how the sleeve and front flap of the case can beadjusted to be placed into one of three viewing angles. FIG. 2D shows afirst viewing angle, FIG. 2E shows a second viewing angle, and FIG. 2Fshows a third viewing angle. FIG. 2G shows a close-up view of an edge204 of the front flap placed into a groove 206 that holds the case atthe first viewing angle. FIG. 2H shows the case folded in a workingangle view position.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2G, in a specific implementation, there are threegrooves 206, 208, and 210 in a back (or inside surface) of the frontpanel 106. These grooves are used to form a built-in stand for thedevice. There are multiple grooves (such as three) to permit multipledifferent viewing angles. Three grooves allow for positioning thedisplay of the electronic device into three viewing angles, viewingangle 1 (FIG. 2D), viewing angle 2 (FIG. 2E), and viewing angle 3 (FIG.2F). These viewing angles are different from each other. There is noneed to flip or turn the case upside down to access any of the differentviewing angles. The viewing angle may be adjusted by sliding edge 204 ofthe sleeve forward or back along the back of the front panel until itfits into one of the grooves. The electronic device need not be removedfrom the case to use the stand feature of the case.

In other implementations, there may be fewer grooves, such as one ortwo, which would allow for fewer than three viewing angles. For example,two grooves allow for two viewing angles, and one groove allows for oneviewing angle. There may be more than three grooves (e.g., four, five,six, or seven) to allow for more than three viewing angles. For example,four grooves allow for four viewing angles, and five groves allow forfive viewing angles. Additionally, the case can allow for a viewingangle when not using any of the grooves. For example, the case has aworking angle view (FIG. 2H) which is discussed below.

In an implementation, the case is made from a neoprene material.Neoprene provides cushioning and shock absorption for the device whichthe case protects. However, in other implementations, other materialscan be used including silicone, rubber, fabric, and many others. Otherexamples of case material include vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),plastic, thermoplastic, cloth, leather, artificial leather, syntheticleather, synthetic leather made of plastic (sometimes referred to aspleather), poromeric imitation leather, koskin, leatherette, metal(e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium), and carbon fiber.

In FIG. 2A, a representative electronic tablet device 215 is shown insleeve 117 of the case. The screen of this electronic tablet is viewablethrough a front opening 219 formed in a bezel 222 of the sleeve. Thebezel surrounds the front opening on four sides, holding the electronictablet in the sleeve so that the electronic tablet can not easily comeloose or detached from the case.

Through the front opening, a user can view the entire screen. In animplementation, the front opening has about a 4:3 aspect ratio. For246-millimeter (9.7-inch) diagonal screen size, the front opening has alength of at least about 198 millimeters (7.8 inches) and a width of atleast about 147 millimeters (5.8 inches). In other implementations, theaspect ratio may vary slightly or be different, such as 16:9 or 16:10.

Typically, the size of the front opening is larger than the screen sizeof the electronic device to allow the user access to any buttons,controls, or ports in the front of the device. Also by making the frontopening larger than the screen, if the electronic tablet were to shiftin position in the sleeve slightly, the entire screen would remainvisible and not be partially blocked by the bezel. The sides of thesleeve can have die cut openings or holes 225 positioned to allow accessto controls and ports of the electronic tablet. The tablet device doesnot need to be removed from the case to view the screen or access thedevice's controls or ports.

Referring to FIGS. 2D-2F, the front flat of the case is rigid and formsa flat base surface 228 of the stand. This relatively large flat basesurface gives stability when the case is used as a stand. A length ofthe flat base surface is at least about 200 millimeters (width of thecase), while a width is about 250 millimeters (length of the case).Regardless of which viewing angle is being used (FIG. 2D or 2E or 2F),the flat base surface of the stand will be at least a footprint size ofthe front flap.

The flat base surface feature of the case makes the stand unlikely torock or tip over when it is used. For a tablet stand without arelatively large flat base surface, it is easier for someone toaccidentally knock the tablet and have it flip over and drop off, forexample, a table onto a hard floor. By contrast, when the case in FIG.2A is accidentally knocked, the tablet would fall back and fall onto thefront flap, but the relatively large flat base surface would prevent thetablet from dropping on the floor. With the case of the invention,damage to the tablet is avoided.

In an implementation, the spine has a length of about 30 millimeters andthe flat base surface a length of about 200 millimeters. A length of theflat base surface (in a direction perpendicular to the bottom edge ofthe sleeve) is at least 2 times greater than the spine length. This willprovide greater stability for the stand than having a footprint lengthof only the spine. In various implementations, the length of the flatbase surface is at least 3 times greater than the spine, at least 4times greater than the spine, at least 5 times greater than the spine,or at least 6 times greater than the spine length. Further, forstability, wherever the sleeve is placed on the flat base surface tomake a stand, a portion of the flat base surface will be behind thesleeve and a portion will be in front of the sleeve.

In operation, a case in the closed position, such as shown in FIGS.1A-1E, is opened and unfolded into the stand position shown in FIGS.2A-2G. Elastic band 103 is stretched and flipped from the front flap tothe back flap as shown in FIG. 2B. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, thestand has three hinges that facilitate folding the case into a stand.Hinge 129 is on the back flap, while hinges 238 and 234 are positionedon either side of spine 110.

FIG. 2H shows the case in a working angle position. The working angle isless sloped than the other three viewing angles described in FIGS.2D-2F. The working angle is more ergonomic for when the user wants totype on an on-screen keyboard, such when a student takes notes in aclassroom. For the working angle, the edge of the back of the case isnot placed in any of the viewing angle grooves. The back of the case isfolded to provide the working angle slope, and the elastic band is usedto hold the case in the working angle position.

For the working angle position, edge 204 of the sleeve is not placedinto any of the grooves. Rather, hinge 129 is folded until sides 241 and243 of the back flap 119 (on either side of hinge 129) come into contactwith each other. Spine 110 is rotated (via hinges 238 and 234) intoposition to lift and tilt the sleeve and electronic tablet into theworking angle. The working angle can vary depending on the rotation ofthe hinges 238 and 234.

In a specific implementation, hinges 238 and 234 are rotated so that thespine is approximately perpendicular with respect to flat base surface228. However, the spine can be rotated so that it is in an angle (e.g.,30, 45, 60, or 0 to 90 degrees) with respect to the flat base surface togive the desired working angle tilt. As shown in FIG. 2H, elastic band103 can be stretched over the folded sides 241 and 243 and flat basesurface 228 to hold the stand in the working angle position usingtension.

FIG. 2H also shows a latch 246. The latch spans across a slot 247 of thesleeve and holds the electronic device in the sleeve. The latch can beremovably secured using hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., Velcro) with anattachment point on an underside of the bezel. Other types of fastenersmay be used. With the latch detached, the electronic device can beinserted into or removed through the slot of the sleeve. Thus, the latchkeeps the electronic device removably secured within the sleeve.

FIG. 2I shows another side view the case being used as a stand for theelectronic device. As discussed above, the case has crease hinge 129 tofacilitate folding the case into a stand. Crease hinge 129 on the backflap is at a position below the top edge of the back of the sleeverather than at the top edge of the sleeve. This positioning allows theback flap to be folded into the working angle shown in FIG. 2H.

At the option of the user, the contents of screen of the electronicdevice may viewed in the landscape orientation (e.g. for a movie) orportrait orientation (e.g., for a Web page). The orientation may bechanged by simply flipping the screen ninety degrees (which is sensed byan internal accelerometer of the electronic device). The case of theinvention supports this feature of the electronic device.

FIGS. 3A-3C show the case being used as a stand in the portraitorientation. FIG. 3A shows a front perspective view of the casepartially opened in the portrait orientation. FIG. 3B shows a frontperspective view of the case in the portrait orientation where the frontflap has been flipped open to expose the screen of the electronicdevice. FIG. 3C shows a top view of the case in the portraitorientation.

FIG. 3B shows the grooves on an inside surface of the front flap formultiple viewing angles when the case is in the landscape orientation.In the portrait orientation, the grooves may not be used. Rather, whenthe case is folded into a stand having the portrait orientation, theedges of the case provide the stability for the stand.

Referring to FIG. 3C, hinges 129, 234, and 238 allow the front and backflaps, spine panel, and sleeve edges to be independently positioned sothat there is sufficient stability to hold the electronic device in theportrait position. When the touch screen display of the device is used,this stand is unlikely to tip over because the stand can resist thetouch forces being applied to the touch screen.

Also, the placement of hinge 129 allows turning the screen to allow agreater unblocked viewing angle. More people can view the screen at thesame time. The screen will not be blocked or partially blocked by thefront flap, which may prevent a person viewing from the left of thescreen (when the flap is on the left-hand side as in FIGS. 3A-3C). Theoutline of the stand in FIG. 3C is an open polygon. However, byadjusting the pivoting of the hinges, an edge of the sleeve can touchthe front flap to form a closed polygon.

FIG. 4 shows an inside of the case. There is a bezel to hold theelectronic tablet. An interior surface inside the case, against which aback of the electronic tablet is placed, is suede backed with a debossedprint pattern. In an implementation, the pattern is a topographicpattern. Some examples of topographic patterns are in U.S. Pat.D579,213, issued Oct. 28, 2008; D581,151, issued Nov. 25, 2008; andD587,896, issued Mar. 10, 2009. Various materials can be used for theinterior surface including microfiber, velvet, silicone, rubber, fabric,and carbon fiber. The material may be tacky to grip the back of theelectronic tablet, and also provide cushioning to protect the electronictablet. The backing can grip the back of the electronic tablet withoutscratching or otherwise damaging the back of the electronic tablet.

In FIG. 4, a debossed textured pattern is formed by printing onto thesuede material. The pattern forms grooves, indentations, or recessesinto the suede material. Other textured patterns may be used such as anembossed pattern having raised features, rising from or on the surfaceof the material. Some processes to form the texture pattern may includeetching, silk-screening, stamps, dies, rollers, thermal printing,deposition, coating, and many others. The pattern may includetopographic lines as shown in FIG. 4A, vertical lines, horizontal lines,diagonal lines, dots, shapes (e.g., circles, rectangles, boxes), orcombinations of these.

The pattern can help to removably grip the back of the electronic deviceand prevent the electronic device from sliding or shifting within thesleeve. The pattern can increase the friction between the back of theelectronic device and the sleeve. With the bezel, textured backing, andlatch, the case will hold electronic device securely. There will not bea need to apply an adhesive, adhesive strip, double-side tape, or thelike to the back of the electronic device, which may damage or mar theback of the device.

Instead of printing pattern to provide texture in the sleeve, tacky ortexture materials may be formed, molded, or attached on the sleevebacking For example, a protective spine (see below) or slider rails maybe positioned in the sleeve backing. The protective spine or sliderrails may be made from a material such as silicone, rubber,thermoplastic elastomer, carbon fiber, or the like.

The table below provides a specific example of a flow for making thecase. In conjunction with the table, FIGS. 5-9 show the case at specificpoints in the flow. FIG. 5 shows a front view of an outer cover 610which forms the front and back flaps and spine panel of the case. FIG. 6shows a front view of sleeve 117. FIG. 7 shows a front view of elasticband 103. FIG. 8 shows a top view of the assembled pieces of the case.FIG. 9 shows a cross section of the assembled pieces of the case.

It should be understood that the invention is not limited to thespecific flows and steps presented. A flow of the invention may haveadditional steps (not necessarily described in this application),different steps which replace some of the steps presented, fewer stepsor a subset of the steps presented, or steps in a different order thanpresented, or any combination of these. Further, the steps in otherimplementations of the invention may not be exactly the same as thesteps presented and may be modified or altered as appropriate for aparticular application or based on the data or situation.

TABLE Step 1 Form outer cover 610. See FIG. 5. Step 2 Make hinges 238,234, and 129 in outer cover. This divides the outer cover into the frontflap, back flap, and spine panel. See FIG. 5. Step 3 Make grooves 206,208, and 210 in outer cover. See FIG. 5. Step 4 Form sleeve 117. SeeFIG. 6. Step 5 Create bezel of sleeve, and slot and latch. See FIG. 6.Step 6 Position sleeve on back flap. Position ends of elastic band (FIG.7) between sleeve and back flap. FIG. 8 shows a top view, while FIG. 9shows a cross section. Step 7 Attach sleeve, elastic band, and outercover to finish the case.

In step 1, to form outer cover 610, there is a rectangular sheet ofmaterial cut to the desired dimensions to form the case. For example, alength of the material may be at least about 430 millimeters (about 16.9inches) and a width of at least about 250 millimeters (about 9.8inches). The length of material may be about at least twice or two timesthe width of the front or back flap. A single sheet layer may be used.For example, the single layer may be a thermoplastic or other plastic orpolymer.

Alternatively, multiple or composite sheets or layers may be used.Leather, synthetic leather, or vinyl can be used to sandwich a morerigid material or stiffening layer, such as flexible plastic orcardboard. An additional layer may be a foam or other padding material.A foam or padding layer can help to provide cushioning for theelectronic device. There can be layers other than those described above.

For example, there can be first and second flexible layers and fourrigid or stiffening (or padding such as foam, or both) layers. The rigidlayers are to be sandwiched between the first and second flexiblelayers. The rigid layers will form the front and back flaps and spinepanel of the case. The first flexible layer will form the outsidesurface of the case. The second flexible layer will form the insidesurface of the case. The first and second flexible layers have about thedesired dimensions of the outer cover when the outer cover is laid flatand open. The composite layers can be combined or attached together bystitching, adhesives, bonding, glue, fusing, or the like.

In step 2, hinges are formed in the outer cover. In a specificimplementation, to make a hinge, the first and second flexible layersare sealed or otherwise fused together to form a seam. On one side ofthe seam there is one rigid layer and on another side of the seam thereis another rigid layer. The seam forms the crease hinge (or fabrichinge) and the rigid layers can swing about the flexible material of thecrease hinge.

More specifically in this specific implementation, in a substep 2 a, arigid layer representing the front flap is placed on the first flexiblelayer. In a substep 2 b, a rigid layer representing the spine panel isplaced on the first flexible layer. The spine panel rigid layer isplaced next to or adjacent to the front flap rigid layer. In a substep 2c, the second flexible layer is placed over the rigid layers and thefirst flexible layer. In a substep 2 d, the first and second flexiblelayers are sealed together to form a seam. The front flap rigid layer ison one side of the seam. The spine panel rigid layer is on an oppositeside of the seam. The seam forms the crease hinge, i.e., crease hinge238 and the front flap and spine panel can swing about the crease hinge.Other hinges 234 and 129 can be made similarly to hinge 238.

In a specific implementation, the hinges show as visible crease lines inthe outer cover. The material (e.g., plastic, fabric, or leather) at thecrease line can be flexed in a hinge-like fashion—allowing flaps orpanels connected by a hinge to swing or rotate with respect to eachother.

Other hinges and techniques of forming hinges may be used in a case ofthe invention. Some hinges include fabric hinges, living hinges, planohinges, continuous hinges, butt hinges, butterfly hinges, flush hinges,barrel hinges, concealed hinges, and spring hinges. The hinge can bemade from materials including fabric, leather or other natural skinmaterials, synthetic leather, microfiber or polyester, metal (e.g.,brass), plastic (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, or thermoplastic),rubber, silicone, carbon fiber, and others.

Other hinge techniques may not result in visible creases in thematerial. These hinges may be referred to as invisible or hidden hinges,but these hinges allowing flaps or panels connected by a hinge to swingor rotate with respect to each other.

In step 3, grooves are formed in the outer cover. These grooves are usedto hold the edge of the sleeve when the case is used as a stand in thelandscape orientation. Each groove is an indentation, which the sleeveedge can rest in, to prevent the sleeve from sliding backwards orforwards on flat base surface 228. The groove projects into or below theinside surface of the base surface. A depth of the groove is less than athickness of the front flap. A groove may also be also referred to as achannel, recess, cavity, depression, indentation, notch, passage,furrow, slot, or flute. Typically, each groove is formed as a line (206,208, and 210) that extends across the entire base surface as shown inFIG. 5.

To make the grooves, the material in the base surface of the front flapis depressed (or compressed together) to result in a plasticdeformation. This may be done by a pressing a hard material (e.g.,metal) at the position of a groove.

In another implementation, making the grooves may use a techniquesimilar to making the hinges. In a specific implementation, to make thegrooves the outside and inside flexible layers are not sealed togetherat the grooves. This is so that at the grooves the front flap remainsrigid and resists bending about the grooves. Rather, the rigid frontflap layer will form the base of the grooves. There are additional layerstrips on each side of the groove which define the walls or sides of agroove.

More specifically in this specific implementation, in a substep 3 a, afirst additional layer strip is placed on the rigid front flap layer. Ina substep 3 b, a second additional layer strip is placed on the rigidfront flap layer. The second additional layer strip is placed next toand is spaced apart from the first rigid layer strip. The spacingbetween the additional layer strips indicates a width of the groove tobe made. In a substep 3 c, the inner flexible layer is placed over therigid front flap layer and the first and second additional layer strips.In a substep 3 d, the inner flexible layer is sealed together with therigid front flap layer to form a groove. The first and second additionallayer strips are on either side of the groove and the thickness of theadditional layer strips form the walls of the groove. The rigid frontflap layer forms the base of the groove. The other grooves may be formedusing a similar technique.

The grooves act as a stop mechanism or edge stop to hold the sleeve andprevent the sleeve (and thus electronic device) from slipping or slidingout of place. Specifically, grooves hold the sleeve in the variousviewing angles shown in FIGS. 2D-2F. With the grooves, the user does nothave to physically hold or touch the case to keep the device in aselected viewing angle.

Other stop mechanisms may be used to retain the edge of the sleeve toprevent the sleeve from sliding and keep the sleeve stationary at theselected viewing angle. These other mechanisms may be used instead of orin combination with grooves. For example, in another specificimplementation, there are one or more rails or other projections thatemerge or project above flat base surface 228. The projections may beprotrusions, anchors, levees, studs, posts, and the like.

In an implementation, the projection is an extra layer of materialattached to the base surface. For example, a strip of material isattached (e.g., glued or fused) onto the flat base surface to form therails. There may be three rails to prevent the sleeve from slidingforward. In this implementation, the projection and front flap are twoseparate pieces of material. Alternatively, the rails or projections maybe molded as part of the flat base surface.

Also, the strips of material may attached to an inner layer of therectangular sheet of FIG. 5. Then, the outer layer will also have aprotrusion caused by the inner strips of material.

In this specific implementation, the projection extends in a directionacross flat base surface, similarly to the groove lines as shown as FIG.5. The projection or rail may extend as a single line from one edge ofthe base surface the opposite edge. A length of the projection will beabout the same as a length of the case.

However, in other implementations, the length of the projection is lessthan the length of the case. Specifically, the projection may be asingle rail approximately centered between the two edges (where thereare gaps between the edges and where the rail begins).

As a further example, the projection or rail can be a series ofprojections (e.g., analogous to a broken line with two or moresegments). Also the projection can be one or more studs, posts, orbuttons extending from the inside surface of the front flap to stop thesleeve from sliding. The projection may be referred to as a ridge orbump. The can be one or more of these posts used for each viewingposition.

In a specific implementation, a thickness of a rail is less than orequal to a thickness of the bezel. Further, the rail is positioned onthe front flap such that there is a first gap between a top edge of theflap and an end of the rail, and a second gap between a bottom edge ofthe flap and an opposite end of the rail. The lengths of the gaps aregreater than or equal to a width of the bezel. This allows the frontflap to be closed over the bezel where the thickness and location of therail does not interfere with the inside surface of the front flappressing against the bezel.

In another implementation, one or more rows of fasteners (e.g., buttons)are attached lengthwise along the inside surface of the front flap. Inthis specific implementation, the method includes providing a striphaving a series of corresponding fasteners to act as the stop. The usercan fasten the strip to the inside surface of the front flap and thesleeve will butt against the fastened strip to act as a stop at thedesired viewing angle.

There can be an extra layer of material added to the base surface to actas the stop mechanism. There can be one or more flaps of material addedto the base surface to make inner sleeves (which can also be used tohold papers) for the case.

In step 4, to form the sleeve 117, a rectangular sheet of material cutto the desired dimensions to form the backing (FIG. 4) of the sleeve.For example, a length of the backing may be at least about 250millimeters (about 9.8 inches) and a width of at least about 190millimeters (about 7.5 inches). The backing can be a single sheet layeror multiple layers, such as described for the outer cover described instep 1 above.

In an implementation having multiple layers, a suede surface of thebacking is printed with a debossed pattern to provide a textured surfacethat will grip the electronic device. The suede surface is combined witha stiffening layer, and a sleeve back layer. The stiffening layer issandwiched between the sleeve back layer and the suede layer, which willbe against the back of the electronic device.

Sides of the sleeve are made from material. This side material may bedie cut with openings appropriate for the electronic device. Othermanufacturing techniques to make a hole include cutting, punching, ordrilling. Case openings are further described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/847,887 filed Jul. 30, 2010 which is incorporated byreference

As previously discussed, the sleeve has bezel 222. In step 5, the sleevebacking, sleeve sides, and bezel are attached together. For example,they may be attached by stitching, an adhesive, bonding, or other.

One of the sides of the sleeve will remain open to allow for slot 247.The slot also has a latch 246. This latch may be a piece of materialthat will go across the slot, which will block the electronic devicefrom dropping out of the slot. Latch 246 can have a width of material asshown in FIG. 2H, or the width of the latch may run the entire length ofthe slot.

In step 6, the sleeve is positioned on the back flap as shown in FIG. 8.FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view. Hinge 129 is shown using a brokenline to indicate that it is behind the sleeve. In an implementation,ends of elastic band 103 (FIG. 7) are positioned between the sleeve andthe back flap. The elastic band wraps around a top edge of the backpanel, extends across an outside surface of the back panel, and wrapsaround a bottom edge of the back panel. The elastic band is oriented sothat it runs parallel with the case hinges (FIGS. 8-9).

In step 7, the sleeve, elastic band, and outer cover are attachedtogether to finish the case. In an implementation, the sleeve, elasticband, and outer cover are stitched together along the edges of thepieces, to the right of hinge of 129 (as represented in FIG. 8).Optionally, an adhesive or glue 925 (FIG. 9) may also be used betweenthe back of the sleeve and outer cover. Alternatively, adhesive 925,without stitching, may be used to attach the pieces of the casetogether.

Between hinge 129 and 234, this portion of the outer cover is notattached to the sleeve. Not fixing the sleeve to the movable back flapportion allows the movable back flap to swing or move independently ofthe sleeve and allows the sleeve to be positioned at the desired viewingangle, working angle, or both. Hinge 129 is not attached to the sleeveso that it can swing and rotate freely.

In an implementation, the elastic band is provided as a strip, i.e.,having an end and an opposite end. In another specific implementation,the elastic band is provided as a loop, i.e., a continuous strip orcircle of band material.

The band may be referred to as a belt, strap, strip, or cord. Typically,the band is thin so that it remains unobtrusive. A cross section of theband is rectangular and when viewed in cross section the band has alength that is substantially greater than a width. Alternatively, theband can be thick. The band can have a square cross section or acircular cross section (e.g., bungee cord).

In a specific implementation, the band includes an elastic type materialthat is capable of being easily stretched and recovering size and shapeafter deformation. The band may include materials such as rubber,silicone, gum, latex, cloth, fabric, nylon, leather, or combinations ofthese. Alternatively, the band may be designed so that it is not to bestretched like a rubber band. In this specific implementation, the bandmay be webbing, i.e., a strong narrow closely woven fabric. Buckles,hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, and the like may be provided so thatthe band webbing can removably secure the front flap to the back flap.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of an open case. In an implementation, grooves206, 208, and 210 are approximately equally spaced from each other. Theviewing angles the case provides for include about 45, 60, and 75degrees. The working viewing angle is about 8 degrees. In anotherspecific implementation, the viewing angles are about 34, 50, and 60degrees.

However, in other implementations, the grooves are not equally spacedfrom each other. Also the viewing angles will be different from thoselisted above. The selected viewing angle will be between about 0 degreesand about 90 degrees, such as 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39,40, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61,62, 63, 64, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees (or any combination of these).The working viewing angle can range from about 5 degrees to about 15degrees, such as 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 9, the sleeve has slot or side opening 247 which isindicated by the dashed lines. A removable latch (shown in FIG. 2H)spans across the slot to removably secure the electronic device withinthe sleeve. The slot is on a side of the sleeve that is nearest to thespine panel. A length of the slot is parallel with a length of the case,elastic band, or both.

When the case is closed as shown in FIG. 1A the slot will be covered bythe spine panel of the case. This location of the slot with respect tothe sleeve sides allows for a relatively small amount of latch materialto be used, but still allows the slot to be covered when the case isclosed, thus protecting the electronic device. For example, when thelatch is closed the side of the electronic device is still visiblethrough the slot. When the case is closed the slot will be covered bythe spine panel and the side of the electronic device will not bevisible.

Using a small amount of latch material lowers the overall cost of thecase because less material is used as compared to having a latch thatcompletely covers the slot. Using less material also makes the case lessheavy which makes the case easier to carry.

It should be appreciated that the slot can be located on any side of thesleeve. In another specific implementation, the slot is located on aside of the sleeve opposite from the side shown in FIG. 9. That is, theslot is on a side of the sleeve nearest the elastic band, furthest fromthe spine panel, or both. In another specific implementation, the slotis located on a side of the sleeve transverse to the side shown in FIG.9. That is, a length of the slot is transverse or perpendicular to thelength of the case, the elastic band, or both. The length of the slot isparallel with a width of the case.

Further, the latch for the slot shown in FIG. 2H is merely one type ofretention mechanism that may be used to removably secure the electronicdevice within the sleeve. Other retention mechanisms may be used insteadof or in addition to the latch and hook-and-loop fastener shown in FIG.2H. For example, in another specific implementation, one or more buttonsare used instead of the Velcro so that the latch is removably snappedacross the slot. In another specific implementation, the retentionmechanism includes a long flap that extends out from the bezel, wrapsaround the side of the electronic device, and tucks under the electronicdevice to removably secure the device within the sleeve. In anotherspecific implementation, a zipper is stitched or otherwise attached tothe slot to open and close the slot.

The case has a band to hold front flap of the case against the sleevewhen in the closed position. FIGS. 1A and 8-9 show the positioning ofband 103. Referring to FIG. 9, the band is positioned between hinge 129and a right side edge 940 of the outer cover. Generally, the band ispositioned so that it is closer to the right side edge than hinge 129.This allows for the user to more easily pull the band over the frontflap.

In an implementation, when the case is closed as in FIG. 1A, the bandrests on the front flap at a position further away from the spine thanan edge 955 opposite the spine. A distance from edge 955 to the bandwill be greater than a width of the band, and greater than a distancefrom the band to the spine.

In an implementation, the band has a width of about 20 millimeters unitsand the distance from edge 955 to the band is about 25 millimeters,where the front flap is about 200 millimeters. So the band is about 10percent of the front flap, and edge 955 to the band is about 125 percentof the band width. The percentages can vary such as 6 to 15 percent forthe band width, and 100 to about 150 percent for edge 955 to the band.

In implementation, a distance from edge 955 to the band is in a rangefrom about 5 to 10 millimeters, about 15 to 30 millimeters, or up toabout 80 millimeters from the edge. These distances allows for ease inslipping on and off the band, but is also a sufficient distance so theband does not accidently slip off.

Since the band is attached to the case, the band is unlikely to becomelost or misplaced. The positioning of the band allows the band to beeasily pulled over the right side edge of the back flap to secure andunsecure the front flap to the back flap. As shown in FIG. 2H, the bandholds the back flap together for the working angle.

In an implementation, as shown in FIG. 9, ends of the band are attachedbetween the sleeve and the outer cover. In other implementations, theends of the band may be attached at different points of the outer cover.For example, the band may be attached at points on the back flap 119 ofFIG. 1B (such as part 241 of FIG. 2H). The band may be attached atpoints on an inside of back flap 119.

In an implementation, the band can be a continuous piece or loop ofmaterial. There can be multiple bands, e.g., two or more elastic bands.The band loop can be attached to the case using one or more rivets orother fastening means to the back flap.

FIG. 8 shows positioning of hinge 129 behind the sleeve. For example,this position may be about 80 millimeters from the edge 940, where anoverall length of the back flap is 200 millimeters. Therefore, hinge 129is closer to edge 940 than hinge 234 (or the spine). The hinge may bepositioned at about 40 percent of the length of the back flap. So about40 percent of the flap is attached to the sleeve, while about 60 percentis unattached.

In various implementations, the positioning of the hinge behind thesleeve can vary. For example, the hinge may be positioned from about 25to about 75 percent the length of the back flap (e.g., 30, 33, 45, 60,or other percent).

In a further implementation of the case, hinge 129 is positioned at edge940, so the entire back flap is not attached to the sleeve except at thehinge. With this positioning of hinge 129, viewing angles 1, 2, and 3described above will be available, but the working angle will beomitted.

In a specific implementation, the cover includes a left, top, right, andbottom cover edges which may be referred to as first, second, third, andfourth cover edges. A front flap of the cover is from the first coveredge to hinge 238. The front flap has a first length from the firstcover edge to hinge 238 that is sufficiently long to cover a frontscreen of the electronic device when the front flap is folded via thefirst hinge to close the case. A second length is from the third coveredge to hinge 129. A third length is from hinge 129 to hinge 238. In aspecific implementation, the third length is greater than the secondlength. In another specific implementation, the third and second lengthare equal. In another specific implementation, the second length isgreater than the third length.

In a specific implementation, a sum of the first, second, and thirdlengths is at least about 407 millimeters. A length of hinge 238 is atleast about 245 millimeters. These dimensions can vary depending uponthe case materials, the portable electronic device the case is designedto hold, or both.

Some specific techniques for attaching materials have been described inthis application. However, any attachment technique or mechanism may beused to attach or bond the case pieces together. Attachment may be byway of an adhesive such as a glue (e.g., fabric glue) or epoxy. To helpfacilitate bonding, a bonding agent can be used. For example, portionsor the entire surface of the fixed back flap can include a temperatureactivated adhesive that helps bond the sleeve and back flap togetherwhen heat, pressure, or both is applied. Such an adhesive can be in theform of a coating, powder, or lacquer, such as a heat sealing lacquer.Sufficient heat is applied in order to bring the temperature up to orabove the activation temperature of the adhesive. Curing can occur uponcooling. Using such a bonding or adhesive process to make the caseallows the case to be made quickly and cost effectively and very littlelabor is used.

Attachment may be by way of stitches or stitching. In this specificimplementation, in a first attachment step, the sleeve is positionedover the back flap. In a second attachment step, the sleeve is stitchedto the fixed back flap, but is not stitched to the movable back flap.The stitching process may include using a needle and thread. Thestitching may be done using a sewing machine or may be done by hand.

Attachment may be by way of rivets. A rivet is a pin or bolt of material(e.g., metal) used for uniting two or more pieces. One end of the rivetshank has a head and an opposite end of the shank has a plain end. Theplain end passes through a hole in each piece. The diameter of the headis larger than the diameter of the hole so that the rivet can not passcompletely through. After passing the plain end through the hole, theplain end is beat or pressed down so as to make an another head having adiameter larger than the diameter of the hole—thus securing the materialpieces together between the heads.

Attachment may be by way of welding such as plastic welding or radiofrequency (RF) bonding to seal or bond the sleeve to the fixed backpanel portion, but not the movable back panel portion. Some examples ofspecific welding techniques that may be used include hot gas welding,freehand welding, speed tip welding, extrusion welding, contact welding,hot plate welding, high frequency welding, injection welding, ultrasonicwelding, friction welding, spin welding, laser welding, or solventwelding.

These techniques are intended to create a permanent bond between thesleeve and the fixed back flap. However, in another implementation, theattachment mechanism permits the user to separate the sleeve from theback flap or outer cover. For example, the user may remove a sleeve froma first outer cover. The user may then attach the sleeve to a secondouter cover, different from the first outer cover. For example, a colorof or image on the first outer cover may be different from a color of orimage on the second outer cover. Such a feature can be used to permitthe user to coordinate or match the color of their clothes with thecolor of the case. The feature can also allow the user to replace justthe outer cover (and keep the sleeve) when the outer cover becomesdamaged or worn.

In this specific implementation, an attachment includes a hook-and-loopattachment mechanism (e.g., Velcro). Other nonpermanent attachmentmechanisms that allow the user to replace the outer cover includezippers, latches, buckles, buttons, straps, tongue and groove, and thelike.

FIGS. 10-29 show various views of a second embodiment of a case for aportable electronic device. This second embodiment of a case may bereferred to as a Convertible Maki Jacket™ or CMJ™ case with OP™ flap.Convertible Maki Jacket, CMJ, and OP are trademarks of Incase DesignsCorp. OP refers to a polyurethane (PU) laminate with a polycarbonate(PC) reinforcement structure.

FIG. 10 shows a back perspective view of a closed case. FIG. 11 shows afront perspective view of the closed case. This case includes athermoplastic polyurethane-polycarbonate (TPU-PC) frame construction.The case has an edge welded outer cover and can provide functionalityand features similar to the first embodiment of the case describedabove. This construction allows for a thin, light, and durable design.Some features of the case include full hard shell protection, access toall ports, over-molded power and volume buttons, display protection,three different viewing angles, a working angle, and a rubber bandclosing mechanism.

FIG. 12-14 show the case being used a stand for the electronic device.FIG. 12 shows how a frame 1302 of the case can be adjusted to be placedinto one of the three viewing angles. FIG. 13 shows a front perspectiveview of the case in one of the viewing angles.

The frame has a bezel and front opening defined by the bezel throughwhich the screen of the electronic device will be visible. Theelectronic device is inserted into frame 1302 through the front opening.Unlike the sleeve of FIG. 2A which has a slot 247 (FIG. 2H), frame 1302has four sides without a slot into which to slide the electronic device.The sides of the frame have openings and over-molded buttons to allowaccess to the ports and buttons of device.

The frame is made from an elastic material which allows the frame to bestretched around the sides of the electronic device. The electronicdevice may be fitted into the frame through the front opening of thebezel by peeling back the bezel so as to enlarge the front opening. Theelectronic device can be fitted into the enlarged front opening. Uponreleasing the bezel, the bezel can recover its former size so as to holdthe electronic device. In this specific implementation, the bezel ismade of an elastic material (e.g., rubber, latex, or silicone) to permitthe bezel to be stretched.

Compared to grooves 206, 208, and 210 in the FIG. 2A embodiment, thisembodiment uses over-molded rails 1305 as edge stops. The rails are overmolded on the base surface or the inside surface of the front flap. In aspecific implementation, there are three rails, but as was the case forthe grooves, there can be more rails (to support a greater number ofviewing angles), fewer rails, or a combination of rails and grooves.

Each rail is formed as a line that extends across at least a portion ofthe base surface as shown in FIG. 13. Although possible, each rail doesnot necessarily extend entirely across the base surface. A single railcan stop the edge of the frame from sliding in one direction (e.g.,forwards) along the base surface when the frame edge butts up againstthe rail. In comparison, a single groove can prevent the sleeve fromslipping in two directions (e.g., forwards and backwards).

FIG. 14 shows a back perspective view of the case in one of the viewingangles. The frame has a full thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) back 1410.The frame is attached to the back flap by adhesion. For example, theframe can be attached to the outer cover by using an adhesive, bonding,fusing, or other adhesion technique. An adhesion area 1405 (OP tothermoplastic elastomer (TPE)) indicates the attachment of the frame tothe back flap.

When the case is folded into a stand as shown in FIG. 14, a back of theelectronic device is still protected because the back remains covered orcompletely covered by the backing of the frame.

FIG. 15 shows a back perspective view of the case folded into theworking angle. FIG. 16 shows a front perspective view of the case foldedinto the working angle. In this specific implementation, the workingangle is about 6 degrees. However, as was in the first embodiment of thecase, this angle can vary.

FIG. 17 shows an outside view of the case. FIGS. 18-21 show variousside, bottom, and top views of the case. Referring to FIG. 17, the caseincludes three hinges 1705, 1710, and 1715 and a rubber strap 1720attached to the back flap. Case outer cover 1730 is made of the OPmaterial with reinforced polycarbonate (PC) panels that are edge welded.There can be a printed logo on the outside surface of the front flap.

For the case in FIGS. 10-29, the frame is made from a different materialthan the outer cover. The frame is a thermoplastic elastomer withpolycarbonate back. The outer cover is an edge-welded polymer withpolycarbonate panels. Alternatively, the frame can be made fromthermoplastic polyurethane. Or the thermoplastic elastomer frame caninclude thermoplastic polyurethane. By adhering the back of the frame tothe outer cover, this forms a composite of the layers of differentmaterials. In a specific implementation, the case is made from apolyurethane (PC) laminate with a polycarbonate (PU) reinforcementstructure. The case hinges in the thin areas where the laminate is notreinforced with polycarbonate.

FIG. 18 shows a top view of the case. A width of the frame is about 194millimeters (about 7.6 inches). FIG. 19 shows a bottom view of the case.

FIG. 20 shows a side view of the case. The case includes frame or framecase construction 1302 to removably secure the electronic device. Theframe has over-molded buttons 2005 to access controls of the electronicdevice. The device's buttons will be positioned underneath the case'sover-molded buttons. The case's over-molded buttons are made from aflexible material that allows them to be pressed and also cause pressingthe device's buttons.

FIG. 21 shows a side view of the spine panel. There can be a printedleaf logo on a side of the case. A length of the case is about 246millimeters (about 9.7 inches). A thickness of the case is about 22millimeters (about 0.9 inches)—FIG. 20. The Incase lettering, logo, andleaf logo shown in the figures are trademarks of Incase Design Corp.

FIG. 22 shows an inside view of the case. FIGS. 23-26 show various side,bottom, and top views of the case.

Referring to FIG. 22, frame 1302 is of a thermoplasticpolyurethane-polycarbonate (TPU-PC) frame case construction. The frameincludes a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) protective spine 2220 thatis co-molded to a back of the frame. The protective spine can help togrip the back of the electronic device, and also prevent scratching ofthe back. The back or interior surface 2225 of the frame is a polishedpolycarbonate (PC) interior. As discussed above, outer cover 1730 ismade of the OP material with reinforced polycarbonate (PC) panels thatare edge welded. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) over-molded rubberrails 1305 project from the inside surface of the front flap to allowthe frame to be positioned into a viewing angle. There can be a printedlogo on the inside surface of the front flap.

FIG. 25 shows a side view of the case with printed leaf logo.

FIG. 27 shows a close-up view of a closed case. In this specificimplementation, outer cover 1730 is edge welded and is made with the OPmaterial. The outer cover edge can have a chamfer (e.g., furrow orgroove) extending around the perimeter of the outer cover. The edge maybe beveled or tapered. The cover is a composite of materials, i.e., ismade of two or more different materials. An inner layer of the cover canbe a rigid material (e.g., polycarbonate). The inner layer may bebetween two outer layers made of a rubberized material.

Also shown in FIG. 27 is rubber strap 1720 to removably hold the frontflap over frame or frame case construction 1302 and over-molded buttons2005 on a side of the frame to allow controls of the electronic deviceto be accessed.

The case can be made in any color, combination of colors (e.g., black,blue, white, or pink), combination of hues or shades (e.g., light blueor dark blue), or combinations of colors and hues. FIG. 27 shows a casehaving an outer cover, rubber strap, and frame that are in the samecolor (e.g., black). FIG. 28 shows a case having an outer cover andrubber strap in a first shade of a color (e.g., blue), and a frame in asecond shade of the same color (e.g., light blue), different from thefirst shade or hue. FIG. 29 shows a case having an outer cover andrubber strap in a first color (e.g., white), and a frame in a secondcolor (e.g., pink) different from the first color.

FIGS. 30-42 show various views of a third embodiment of a case for aportable electronic device. This third embodiment of a case may bereferred to as a Convertible Maki Jacket™ or CMJ™ case withthermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) flap. This case includes athermoplastic polyurethane-polycarbonate (TPU-PC) frame constructionwith a thermoplastic polyurethane molded cover. This constructionprovides a thin, light, and durable design. This case can providefunctionality and features similar to the first embodiment of the casedescribed above. Some features of this case include full hard shellprotection, access to all ports, over-molded power and volume buttons,display protection, three different viewing angles, a working angle, anda rubber band closing mechanism.

FIG. 30 shows an outside view of the case. FIGS. 31-34 show variousside, bottom, and top views of the case. Referring to FIG. 30, this caseis similar to the second embodiment of the case described above.However, outer cover 3005 of this case is made of a thermoplasticpolyurethane material. The cover is formed from a thermoplasticpolyurethane mold. In this implementation, unlike for case the FIGS.10-29 where the cover is a composite material (e.g., thermoplasticpolyurethane and polycarbonate), the outer cover is made of a singletype of material—thermoplastic polyurethane. In an alternativeimplementation, the single type of material is an thermoplasticelastomer.

The case includes hinges 3010, 3015, and 3020, and a rubber strap 3025.An outside surface of the front flap can include a debossed logo.

FIG. 31 shows a top view of the case. FIG. 32 shows a bottom view of thecase. FIG. 33 shows a side view of the frame and over-molded buttons3305. FIG. 34 shows a side view of the spine panel and a debossed leaflogo on the spine panel.

A width of the frame is about 194 millimeters (about 7.6 inches)—FIG.31. A thickness of the case is about 22 millimeters (about 0.9inches)—FIG. 33. A length of the case is about 246 millimeters (about9.7 inches)—FIG. 34.

FIG. 35 shows an inside view of the case. FIGS. 36-39 show various side,bottom, and top views of the case. FIG. 36 shows a top view. FIG. 37shows a bottom view. FIG. 38 shows a side view of the spine panel. FIG.39 shows a side view of the frame.

Referring to FIG. 35, this figure shows outer cover 3005 (including therails) which, as discussed above, is made from a thermoplasticpolyurethane (TPU) material. There are rails 3510 projecting from aninside surface of the front flap. These rubber rails are part of themold used to make the outer cover. Frame 3515 can made of using athermoplastic elastomer-polycarbonate (TPE-PC) frame case construction.The thermoplastic elastomer-polycarbonate is a different material fromthe thermoplastic polyurethane material of the outer cover. Thesedifferent materials are attached in the adhesion region shown in FIG. 14to form a composite.

Alternatively, the frame can be made from a thermoplasticurethane-polycarbonate (TPU-PC) frame case construction. The material ofthe outer cover is the same as the material of the frame, except for thepolycarbonate. The polycarbonate can be optional, and omitted in someimplementations, to form an entirely thermoplastic urethane version.

In another implementation, the outer cover (including the rails) aremade from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material via a mold. Frame3515 can made of using a thermoplastic elastomer-polycarbonate (TPE-PC)frame case construction. The material of the outer cover is the same asthe material of the frame, except for the polycarbonate. Thepolycarbonate can be optional, and omitted in some implementations, toform an entirely thermoplastic elastomer version.

Alternatively, the frame can be made from a thermoplasticurethane-polycarbonate (TPU-PC) frame case construction. The material ofthe outer cover is different from the material of the frame. Thesedifferent materials are attached in the adhesion region shown in FIG. 14to form composite.

The frame includes a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) protective spine 3520that is co-molded and has a polished polycarbonate (PC) interior 3525. Adebossed logo is on the inside surface of the front flap. Debossed leaflogo is on the outside surface of the spine panel.

FIG. 40 shows a close-up view of a closed case. As described above,outer cover 3005 can be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane material.Alternatively the outer cover may be made from a thermoplastic elastomer(TPE) material. This outer cover has a non-chamfered or straight edge(without a bevel) as compared to the edge in the second embodiment ofthe case. Also shown in FIG. 40 is rubber strap 3025, over-moldedbuttons 3305, and frame 3515.

As discussed above, the case can be made in any color, combination ofcolors, combination of hues, or combinations of colors and hues. FIG. 40shows a case having a black outer cover, rubber strap, and frame. FIG.41 shows a case having a blue outer cover and rubber strap, and a lightblue frame. FIG. 42 shows a case having a white outer cover and rubberstrap, and a pink frame.

FIGS. 43-44 show a comparison of the thicknesses of two of the caseembodiments. FIG. 43 shows a side of the second embodiment of the case.This case has a thickness of about 22 millimeters (about 0.9 inches).FIG. 33 shows a side of the first embodiment of the case. This case hasa thickness of about 30.5 millimeters (about 1.2 inches).

It should be appreciated that the case sleeve (FIG. 2A) and case frame(FIGS. 13 and 35) are merely examples of how the electronic device maybe retained against the cover. Any retaining mechanism may be used toremovably hold the electronic device against the cover so long as aportion of the back flap can be folded away from the electronic deviceso that the cover can be folded into a stand. In a specificimplementation, a set of clips attached to the cover is used toremovably hold the electronic device against the cover. In this specificimplementation, a first clip is attached to the second cover edge, and asecond clip is attached to the fourth cover edge. The first clip ispositioned along the second cover edge so that it is between the firsthinge and the third cover edge. The second clip is similarly positionedon the fourth cover edge. That is, the second clip is positioned alongthe fourth cover edge so that it is between the first hinge and thethird cover edge. The first hinge will be behind the electronic devicewhen the electronic device is in the case.

This position of the first and second clips allows the back flap (or theportion of the back flap not connected to the electronic device) to befolded away from the electronic device via the first hinge when foldingthe case into a stand.

In a specific implementation, the clips are rigid. To insert theelectronic device into the case, the electronic device is slidunderneath the clips in a direction from the first hinge towards thethird cover edge. In this specific implementation, the cover includesone or more guards or stops to prevent the electronic device fromsliding past the third cover edge. In a specific implementation, thereare two guards. A first guard is attached to a first corner of the coverdefined by the intersection of the second and third cover edges. Asecond guard is attached to a second corner of the cover defined by thefourth and third cover edges. A guard may be placed anywhere along thethird cover edge to stop the electronic device from sliding past thethird cover edge. A guard may be referred to as a bumper, corner guard,wall, or tab.

In another specific implementation, the clips are bendable or flexible.To insert the electronic device the clips are bent around an edge of theelectronic device. Upon release of the clip, the clip recovers itsprevious form. A clip may be referred to as bracket, grip, claw,pincher, or hook.

In a specific implementation, a case cover includes a set of grooves anda clasp. The clasp is attached to the first cover edge. The clasp canact as a stop for the electronic device and provide one of the viewingor working angles. The clasp can also act as a closure mechanism to holdthe front and back flaps of the case together when the case is closed.For example, the clasp can be removably fastened to the third coveredge. In this specific implementation, the clasp is designed to snap inand out of place and is made of a flexible material. In another specificimplementation, a strap having a button, Velcro, or both is used tofasten the front and back flaps of the case together when the case isclosed.

In a specific implementation, there are four grooves and a clasp. Theclasp and grooves allow the electronic device to be positioned at one offive different angles. The clasp provides the angle having the mostslope. Although in this specific implementation there are four grooves,as discussed above, there can be any number of grooves.

A case as described in this application may be referred to as aportfolio, a portable electronic device enclosure, wallet, container,folder, folding case, pocketbook, folding pocketbook, box, jacket, orenvelope. The case may include one or more pockets. The pockets can beused to hold pens, pencils, papers, business cards, credit cards, money,accessories for the portable electronic device (e.g., stylus), and soforth.

A sleeve, frame, or both as described in this application may bereferred to as a portable electronic device holder, enclosure,container, or receptacle.

This description of the invention has been presented for the purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise form described, and manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the teachingabove. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical applications.This description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilizeand practice the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to a particular use. The scope of theinvention is defined by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: forming a cover for atablet electronic device having first, second, third, and fourth coveredges, wherein the second and fourth cover edges are longer than thefirst and third cover edges; forming first and second hinges in thecover, wherein a first cover panel is between the third cover edge andthe first hinge, a second cover panel is between the first hinge and thesecond hinge, and a third panel is between the first cover edge andsecond hinge, and a first length is from the first cover edge to thesecond hinge, a second length is from the second cover edge to thefourth cover edge, and the second length is greater than the firstlength; forming a first structure coupled to and extending at an anglefrom the third cover edge, wherein the tablet electronic device isinserted into the cover by sliding a back of the electronic device alongan inside of the first cover panel until an upper edge of the tabletelectronic device is stopped by the first structure; allowing foldinginto a first stand position by rotating the first hinge a first angle ina first rotation direction, the second cover panel being rotated awayfrom the electronic device, so a bottom of the tablet electronic devicecan be placed on an interior surface of the third panel at a firstpoint; and allowing folding into a second stand position by rotating thefirst hinge a second angle in the first rotation direction, the secondangle being greater than the first angle, so the bottom of the tabletelectronic device can be placed on the interior surface of the thirdpanel at a second point, wherein the second point is closer to the firstcover edge than to the second hinge, and in the first and second standpositions, the upper edge of the tablet electronic device is positionedagainst the first structure, thereby maintaining a position of thetablet electronic device against the inside of the first cover panel andpreventing the upper edge of the tablet electronic device from slidingbeyond the third cover edge.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprisingforming at least a first groove and a second groove on the interiorsurface of the third cover panel, wherein the first and second standpositions are formed using the at least first and second grooves, thesecond groove is positioned next to the first groove, without anyintervening grooves in between the first and second grooves, and alength of the first groove from a front groove side to a back grooveside is less than a distance of the interior surface from the firstgroove to the second groove.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprisingforming at least a first rail and a second rail on the interior surfaceof the third cover panel, wherein the first and second stand positionsare formed using the at least first and second rails.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the first structure is coupled to a first corner of thefirst cover panel defined by the intersection of the second and thirdcover edges.
 5. The method of claim 4 further comprising forming asecond structure coupled to and extending at an angle from the thirdcover edge, wherein the second structure is coupled to a second cornerof the first cover panel defined by the intersection of the third andfourth cover edges.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising a secondstructure coupled to and extending at an angle from the second coveredge between the first hinge and the third cover edge, wherein when thetablet electronic device is positioned against the inside of the firstcover panel, the second structure prevents a first side edge of thetablet electronic device from sliding beyond the second cover edge. 7.The method of claim 6 further comprising a third structure coupled toand extending at an angle from the fourth cover edge between the firsthinge and the third cover edge, wherein when the tablet electronicdevice is positioned against the inside of the first cover panel, thethird structure prevents a second side edge of the tablet electronicdevice from sliding beyond the fourth cover edge.
 8. The method of claim1 wherein the tablet electronic device is inserted into the cover bysliding the electronic device in a direction from the second hinge tothe third cover edge.
 9. A method comprising: forming a rectangularlyshaped cover for a tablet computer comprising first, second, third, andfourth cover edges, wherein the first and third cover edges extend in afirst direction and are parallel to each other, the second and fourthcover edges extend in a second direction and are parallel to each other,the second direction is transverse to the first direction, and thesecond cover edge is longer than the first cover edge; forming a firsthinge in the cover between the first and third cover edges, extending inthe first direction, and the cover from the first cover edge to thefirst hinge is a front flap, and the front flap has a first length fromthe first cover edge to the first hinge that is sufficiently long tocover a front screen of the tablet computer when the front flap isfolded via the first hinge to close the case, wherein the first hinge islonger than the first length; forming a second hinge in the cover,between the third cover edge and the first hinge, extending in the firstdirection, parallel to the first hinge, wherein a first back part isbetween the third cover edge and the second hinge, and a second backpart is between the second hinge and the first hinge; forming a firststructure, coupled to and extending at an angle away from the firstpanel, wherein the tablet computer is inserted into the cover by slidinga back of the tablet computer along an inside of the first back partuntil an upper edge of the tablet computer is stopped by the firststructure, wherein when the tablet computer is placed against the firststructure, the first back part is positioned alongside a back of thetablet computer; allowing folding into a first stand position byrotating the second hinge in a first rotation direction so a bottom ofthe tablet computer is positioned alongside an inside surface of thefront flap at a first point, the first back part remains alongside theback of the tablet computer, while the second back part is rotated awayfrom the back of the tablet computer; and allowing folding into a secondstand position by rotating the second hinge in the first rotationdirection, further than for the first stand position, so the first backpart remains alongside the back of the tablet computer, while the secondback part is rotated away from the back of the tablet computer, and thebottom of the tablet computer is positioned alongside the inside surfaceof the front flap at a second point, wherein the second point is closerto the first cover edge than to the first hinge and is closer to thefirst cover edge than the first point.
 10. The method of claim 9 whereinin the first and second stand positions, the upper edge of the tabletcomputer is positioned against the first structure, thereby maintaininga position of the tablet computer alongside the inside of the first backpart and preventing the upper edge of the tablet computer from slidingbeyond the third cover edge.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein in thefirst and second stand positions, the upper edge of the tablet computeris positioned against the first structure, thereby maintaining aposition of the tablet computer alongside the inside of the first backpart and preventing the upper edge of the tablet computer from slidingbeyond the first structure in a direction from the second hinge to thethird cover edge.
 12. The method of claim 9 comprising: forming a secondstructure, coupled to and extending at an angle away from the firstpanel, wherein the second structure is positioned at the second coveredge between the second hinge and the third cover edge.
 13. The methodof claim 12 comprising: forming a third structure, coupled to andextending at an angle away from the first panel, wherein the thirdstructure is positioned at the fourth cover edge between the secondhinge and the third cover edge.
 14. A method comprising: forming arectangularly shaped cover for a portable electronic device comprisingfirst, second, third, and fourth cover edges, wherein the first andthird cover edges extend in a first direction and are parallel to eachother, the second and fourth cover edges extend in a second directionand are parallel to each other, the second direction is transverse tothe first direction, and the second cover edge is longer than the firstcover edge; forming a first hinge in the cover between the first andthird cover edges, extending in the first direction, and the cover fromthe first cover edge to the first hinge is a front flap, and the frontflap has a first length from the first cover edge to the first hingethat is sufficiently long to cover a front screen of the portableelectronic device when the front flap is folded via the first hinge toclose the case; forming a second hinge in the cover, between the thirdcover edge and the first hinge, extending in the first direction,parallel to the first hinge, wherein a first back part is between thethird cover edge and the second hinge, and a second back part is betweenthe second hinge and the first hinge; forming a first structure, coupledto and extending at an angle away from the cover, wherein the portableelectronic device is removably coupled to the cover by sliding a back ofthe portable electronic device along an inside of the cover until anupper edge of the portable electronic device is stopped by at least aportion of the first structure, and while the portable electronic deviceis removably coupled to the cover, the first back part remains fixedlyattached to the first structure; and allowing folding into a first standposition by rotating the second hinge in a first rotation direction so abottom of the portable electronic device is positioned alongside aninside surface of the front flap at a first point that is closer to thefirst cover edge than to the first hinge, the first back part remainsfixedly attached to the first structure, alongside a back of theelectronic device, while the second back part is rotated away from theback of the electronic device.
 15. The method of claim 14 comprising:forming a plurality of protrusions, between the first cover edge and thefirst hinge on the inside surface of the front flap, wherein eachprotrusion extends up from an inside surface of the front flap, and inthe first stand position, the bottom of the portable electronic deviceis positioned between a first protrusion of the plurality of protrusionsand the first hinge.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the bottom ofthe portable electronic device is positioned between the firstprotrusion and a second protrusion of the plurality of protrusions,wherein the second protrusion is closer to the first cover edge than tothe first hinge and is closer to the first cover edge than the firstprotrusion.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein between two protrusionsof the plurality of protrusions is a groove.
 18. The method of claim 14comprising: forming a plurality of grooves, extending in the firstdirection, between the first cover edge and the first hinge on theinside surface of the front flap, wherein in the first stand position,the bottom of the portable electronic device is positioned in a firstgroove of the plurality of grooves.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein asecond groove of the plurality of grooves is positioned closer to thefirst cover edge than to the first hinge and is closer to the firstcover edge than the first groove.
 20. The method of claim 18 whereinbetween two grooves of the plurality of grooves is a protrusion.